Sears How do you service a sewing machine that has not been used for 10 years?

Answer 1

Sewing machines are really quite simple machines, and as long as they have been cared for during their working life, then they should give many years use.

To service your machine you'll need:

A little light machine oil, like 3in1, don't use a spray oil like WD40, it gets everywhere, and isn't meant to take the machine loadings that a sewing machine will have at full chatter.

A couple of basic tools like screwdrivers etc.

A brush for cleaning (one of those short stiff bristled ones, or ar a push a cheap toothbrush)

A pack of fresh needles.

BEFORE YOU START MAKE SURE THAT THE MACHINE IS NOT PLUGGED IN!

Start by turning the handwheel that cycles the machine through its full motion. Feel for any roughness in the movement, it should have a little resistance as the bits in the machine move over, but be generally smoothe. If all feels good then basically the machine is good to go, just a little bit of work should keep things running smoothely.

Remove the needle, and discard it. Every time you start a new project you should be doing this as a normal part of your setup routine. Needles bent even just a little are nothing but heartache, and good quality needles cost pennies, so you've no excuse.

Next remove any easily accessible covers and parts of the casing, and use your brush to clean out any bits of thread, fluff, fuzz etc that will undoubtedly be lurking within. Any bits that move and have metal on metal will need oiling. Dont go crazy here, one drop is all the bearings and moving components need, any more and you run the risk of an oil slick on your nice new material.

You've cleaned, you've oiled, now have a look at the drive belt, any cracks or damage on the surface of the rubber belt mean you'll have to replace it. If you're confident you can do this, then crack on, otherwise ask a friend who is confident, failing that, take it to a sewing machine repair and service centre.

So far, so good. Now plug the machine, is the light bulb working? Change if needed. As you've not run it up for a while, set the machine up for a long length straight running stitch. Slowly start the machine to turn over using the foot pedal for about 30 seconds. This will get that lovely oil you added to work in to all the bearings. Foot off, work the machine slowly in reverse for a few seconds.

Everything good so far? Run the zigzag stitch slowly for a few seconds to get the side to side bits working. Now let rip, gradually increasing up to full speed.

If everything is running fine, then nows the time to fit your shiny new needle, and once again turn the machine over slowly a couple of up and downs of the needle. Thread up the machine, and have a practice run over some scrap material.

If its all running fine now, then ker-pow you're ready to stitch. If anything seems wrong at any time during any stage, then take it to a professional to have a look at the machine. 9 times out of 10 its something simple and easily sorted out, but for that 1 time you could end up inflicting damage. Better safe than sorry like they say.

Happy stitching....